Introduction^(A)

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled^[a] among us, ² just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first^(B) were eyewitnesses^(C) and servants of the word.^{(D) 3} With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account^(E) for you, most excellent^(F) Theophilus,^{(G) 4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.^(H)

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

⁵ In the time of Herod king of Judea^(I) there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah;^(J) his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. ⁶ Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.^{(K) 7} But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

¹² When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.^{(A) 13} But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid,^(B) Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.^{(C) 14} He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,^{(D) 15} for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink,^(E) and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit^(F) even before he is born.^(G)

²⁵ “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace^(A) among the people.”